Commander Warren Jackson of Northern Territory Police’s Northern Command has issued a warning to those intending to supply alcohol or illicit drugs in regional and remote areas of the Top End – we are watching you.
"In the past week, we have arrested a number of people and seized vehicles and vessels involved with drugs and alcohol that were destined for remote communities," Commander Jackson said, Northern Territory Police say
Those arrested were either bringing and/or supplying liquor, cannabis, cocaine and kava."
"Grog and drug runners are on notice; we’re actively looking for you now and it doesn’t matter how you intend to transport it," Commander Jackson said.
"Be it by road, air, post or sea, you can expect to be caught up with soon."
Police operations in the Northern Command during the past week have resulted in:
- 27 May – Water Police arrested four people on drug and liquor charges after rescuing them from a vessel which had run out of fuel en route to the Tiwi Islands. Vessel, liquor and drugs were all seized. Three of the men were given notices to appear, while the fourth was charged.
- 1 June - Late last month, Nhulunbuy Police executed a number of search warrants during proactive screening of mail articles. In one of the packages seized, five grams of a powder believed to be cocaine was found concealed inside a dietary supplement tub. A 28-year-old male has been charged. A further quantity of cocaine was also found concealed inside a jar of Vegemite.
- 1 June – Ramingining Police allege a building contractor supplied liquor to local community members in Ramingining the previous day. The contractor was issued three infringement notices for bring, possess and supply liquor in a restricted area.
- 1 June – Maningrida Police this morning intercepted three vehicles which, collectively, were found to be transporting:
- 5 x bottles of spirits seized (3 litres)
- 1 x bottle of beer
- 50 grams cannabis
- 2 kilograms kava
One driver of these vehicles recorded a blood alcohol content reading of 0.126 (mid range). Two liquor infringement notices and three notices to appear were issued for liquor offences, with one vehicle seized under the Liquor Act.
Late today, Ramingining Police also reported the apprehension of another vehicle resulting in the seizure of:
- 7 x bottles of Bundaberg Rum
- 2 x bottles of Wild Turkey Bourbon
- 2 x bottles of Jack Daniels.
- 7.29kg of kava separated into individual deal bags
A 30-year-old male is currently assisting police with this inquiry.
"This is fantastic work by members of the Northern Command, but it is extremely disappointing that we are faced with these criminal acts that can have devastating consequences for a community," Commander Jackson said.
"All NT Police officers are committed to eradicating this problem and we encourage community members to report secondary supply to their local officers and Aboriginal Liaison Officers."
NT Police urges anyone who suspects the sale of illicit drugs and alcohol in alcohol protected areas to report it to police. Contact 131 44 or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers.
